I didn't like this novel at all...I know some individuals see this as the Bible of Western canon and that self interest can give you the greatest success, but it's basically a guide to Fascism written by a warped mind derived from Communism, seeking the exact opposite...thus it creates Objectivism, a strange philosophy about individualism. The interpretation of women in this novel is sickening, and it's riddled with flawed logic with a twisted agenda. You don't need to read this. Basically, believe you're an elitist and that emotion is a weakness and intelligence is the pinnacle of existence. That's what this novel is about in twelve hundred pages, blended with Rand's capitalistic ideology. If you do choose to read it, as I did; you'll find that John Galt's ridiculously long speech is an excellent cure for insomnia, and if you're ever freezing to death....this book should be the first to burn. A threat to democracy, and Hitler would have enjoyed it. Open your mind, don't close it.